U.S. patent number 7,036,451 [Application Number 11/195,555] was granted by the patent office on 2006-05-02 for apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment on a waterborne vessel.
Invention is credited to Len K. Hutchinson.
United States Patent |
7,036,451 |
Hutchinson |
May 2, 2006 |
Apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment on a
waterborne vessel
Abstract
An apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment
on a waterborne vessel is provided having a baseplate which is
secured to a side of the waterborne vessel. The baseplate extends
outward from the side of the waterborne vessel over the surface of
the water. A shaft holder bracket is rotatably mounted to the
baseplate such that the shaft holder bracket may rotate in a plane
generallyparallel to the forward and reverse direction of the
waterborne vessel from a first position to a second position. The
shaft holder bracket has a through passageway to receive a shaft.
An elongate shaft having an upper portion and a lower portion which
are rotatably joined and separable, is slidably engaged through the
passageway in the shaft holder bracket, such that the elongate
shaft can rotate and slide within the shaft holder bracket. The
shaft holder bracket has means to secure the elongate shaft from
rotation and sliding. The elongate shaft has a handle on the top of
the shaft and a marine detection equipment mount on the bottom of
the shaft. The elongate shaft is long enough to extend below the
bottom surface of the waterborne vessel when the shaft holder
bracket is in the first position, and the elongate shaft is totally
out of the water when the shaft holder bracket is rotated to the
second position. The marine detection equipment mount is rotatably
and adjustably attached to the lower portion of the elongate shaft,
such that the marine detection equipment mount can rotate 360
degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the water. The
marine detection equipment mount has means to secure marine
detection equipment.
Inventors: |
Hutchinson; Len K. (Florence,
SC) |
Family
ID: |
36215862 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/195,555 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/364;
248/231.71; 440/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B
17/00 (20130101); B63B 49/00 (20130101); B63C
7/26 (20130101); F16B 2/065 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B63B
17/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;114/364 ;248/231.71
;440/6 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Sotelo; Jesus D.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment
on a waterborne vessel comprising: a baseplate having means to be
secured to the side of the waterborne vessel, the baseplate
extending outward from the side of the waterborne vessel, over the
surface of the water; a shaft holder bracket rotatable mounted to
the baseplate, such that the shaft holder bracket may rotate in a
plane parallel to the forward and reverse direction of the
waterborne vessel from a first position to a second position, the
shaft holder bracket having a through passageway to receive a
shaft; an elongate shaft having an upper portion and a lower
portion, the upper and lower portions being rotatable joined and
separable, the elongate shaft being slidably engaged through the
passageway in the shaft holder bracket, such that the elongate
shaft can rotate and slide within the shaft holder bracket, the
shaft holder bracket having means to secure the elongate shaft from
rotation and sliding, the elongate shaft having an end above the
shaft holder bracket, the end above the shaft holder bracket having
a handle; the elongate shaft being long enough to extend below the
bottom surface of the waterborne vessel when the shaft holder
bracket is in the first position, the elongate shaft being totally
out of the water when the shaft holder bracket is rotated to the
second position; a marine detection equipment mount rotatably and
adjustably attached to the lower portion of the elongate shaft,
such that the marine detection equipment mount can rotate 360
degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the water, the
marine detection equipment mount having means to secure marine
detection equipment; a first shaft catch mounted to the baseplate
and aligned below the rotatable shaft holder bracket when the shaft
holder bracket is in the first position, the first shaft catch
having an opening to receive and to frictionally hold the elongate
shaft, such that the elongate shaft may be frictionally held when
the shaft holder bracket engaging the elongate shaft is rotated to
the first position, and whereby the elongate shaft may be released
from the first shaft catch if a force strikes the elongate shaft
below the surface of the water; and a second shaft catch mounted to
the baseplate on the forward side of the baseplate and aligned with
the passageway of the shaft holder bracket when the shaft holder
bracket is in the second position, the second shaft catch having an
opening to receive and frictionally hold the elongate shaft when
the shaft holder bracket engaging the elongate shaft is rotated to
the second position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a collar around the
elongate shaft, adjacent and above the shaft holder bracket, the
elongate shaft being able to rotate and slide within the collar,
the collar having means to secure the elongate shaft from rotation
and sliding.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the baseplate has means to be
mounted on either side of the waterborne vessel.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means for securing the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel comprises: at least
one bolt securing the baseplate to the side of the waterborne
vessel.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means for securing the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel comprises: a C-clamp
attached to the baseplate such that the C-clamp will secure the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means for securing the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel comprises: a rail
clamp attached to the baseplate such that the rail clamp will
secure the baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel.
7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the lower portion of the
elongate shaft has a lower end, the lower end extending from the
lower portion at a angle of about 90 degrees, the marine detection
equipment mount being rotatably attached and adjustable to the
lower end.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the upper portion and the lower
portion of the elongate shaft are rotatably joined by threaded
coupling means; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a
resilient washer surrounding the threaded coupling means, whereby
the resilient washer allows adjustable tightening of the threaded
coupling means.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the means to secure marine
detection equipment to the marine detection equipment mount
comprise detachable straps.
10. An apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment
on a waterborne vessel comprising: a baseplate having means to be
secured to either side of the waterborne vessel, the baseplate
extending outward from the side of the waterborne vessel over the
surface of the water; a shaft holder bracket rotatably mounted to
the baseplate, such that the shaft holder bracket may rotate in a
plane parallel to the forward and reverse direction of the
waterborne vessel from a first position to a second position, the
shaft holder bracket having a through passageway to receive a
shaft; an elongate shaft having an upper portion and a lower
portion, the upper and lower portions being rotatably joined and
separable, the elongate shaft being slidably engaged through the
passageway in the shaft holder bracket, such that the elongate
shaft can rotate and slide within the shaft holder bracket, the
shaft holder bracket having means to secure the elongate shaft from
rotation and sliding, the elongate shaft having an end above the
shaft holder bracket, the end above the shaft holder bracket having
a handle; the elongate shaft being long enough to extend below the
bottom surface of the waterborne vessel when the shaft holder
bracket is in the first position, the elongate shaft being totally
out of the water when the shaft holder bracket is rotated to the
second position; a collar around the elongate shaft adjacent and
above the shaft holder bracket, the elongate shaft being able to
rotate and slide within the collar, the collar having means to
secure the elongate shaft from rotation and sliding; a first shaft
catch mounted to the baseplate aligned below the rotatable shaft
holder bracket when the shaft holder bracket is in the first
position, the first shaft catch having an opening to receive the
elongate shaft and frictionally hold the elongate shaft, such that
the elongate shaft may be frictionally held when the shaft holder
bracket engaging the elongate shaft is rotated to the first
position, and whereby the elongate shaft may be released from the
first shaft catch if a force strikes the elongate shaft below the
surface of the water; a second shaft catch mounted to the baseplate
on the forward side of the baseplate and aligned with the
passageway of the shaft holder bracket when the shaft holder
bracket is in the second position, the second shaft catch having an
opening to receive the elongate shaft and frictionally hold the
elongate shaft when the shaft holder bracket engaging the elongate
shaft is rotated to the second position; a marine detection
equipment mount rotatably and adjustably attached to the lower
portion of the elongate shaft, such that the marine detection
equipment mount can rotate 360 degrees in a plane perpendicular to
the surface of the water, the marine detection equipment mount
having means to secure marine detection equipment.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the lower portion of the
elongate shaft has a lower end, the lower end extending from the
lower portion at a angle of about 90 degrees, the marine detection
equipment mount being rotatably attached and adjustable to the
lower end.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the upper portion and the
lower portion of the elongate shaft are rotatably joined by
threaded coupling means; and wherein the apparatus further
comprises a resilient washer surrounding the threaded coupling
means, whereby the resilient washer allows adjustable tightening of
the threaded coupling means.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means to secure marine
detection equipment to the marine detection equipment mount
comprise detachable straps.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means for securing the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel comprises: at least
one bolt to secure the baseplate to the side of the waterborne
vessel.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means for securing the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel comprise: a C-clamp
attached to the baseplate such that the C-clamp will secure the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means for securing the
baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel comprise: a rail
clamp attached to the baseplate such that the rail clamp will
secure the baseplate to the side of the waterborne vessel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for mounting underwater
marine detection equipment on a waterborne vessel, and more
particularly for boats as a mounting apparatus for a fishfinder
sonar transducer for use in determining depth, assist in
navigation, locating fish and scanning for underwater structures,
and for mounting a portable underwater camera for viewing fish or
structures.
Various types of mounting brackets and apparatus are known in the
prior art. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,420, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on May 23, 2000 is concerned with a portable transducer mount with
no means provided for mounting to a boat or vessel deck railing or
for mounting to the side walls of an aluminum boat or the like,
limited vertical and horizontal scanning adjustment, and no means
for mounting an underwater viewing camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,272, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on Jun. 25, 1996, is concerned with a transducer mount with no
means for mounting to a boat or vessel deck, limited vertical
adjustment for scanning, no means for mounting an underwater
viewing camera, and no means for protecting the transducer or
camera from damage as the result of contact with an underwater
object or structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,225, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on May 14, 1991 is concerned with a transducer mount with no
vertical adjustment capabilities, no means for mounting an
underwater viewing camera, no secure mounting capabilities for deck
railing or deck mounting, and no means for protecting the mount
from damage upon striking an underwater object or structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,915, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on May 29, 1990 is concerned with a transducer mount with limited
vertical adjustment capabilities, no means for mounting an
underwater viewing camera, no means for mounting to a boat or
vessel deck railing or side walls of an aluminum boat or the like,
and no means for protecting the mount from damage upon striking an
underwater object or structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,310, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on Mar. 17, 1989, is concerned with a transducer mount designed to
be stationary on a boat transom only, with no horizontal adjustment
and limited vertical adjustment for scanning, and no means for
mounting an underwater viewing camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,485, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on Aug. 25, 1981, is concerned with a transducer mount with limited
vertical adjusting capabilities, no means for mounting an
underwater viewing camera, no secure means for mounting onto a boat
or vessel deck railing, and it is not designed for a deck
mounting.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,590, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on Aug. 4, 1981, is concerned with a transducer mount with limited
vertical adjusting capabilities, no means for mounting to a boat
deck railing or deck, no means of mounting an underwater viewing
camera, no means for protecting the mount from damage upon striking
an underwater object or structure, and the invention has an
excessive number of components that make it more costly to
manufacture.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,690, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on May 1, 1979, is concerned with a transducer mount designed for
mounting only onto a trolling motor, with no means of mounting an
underwater viewing camera, and having limited vertical adjusting
capabilities.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,216, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on Nov. 2, 1976, is concerned with a transducer mount with limited
vertical adjustment capabilities, no means for mounting an
underwater viewing camera, no means for mounting to a boat deck
railing or side walls of an aluminum boat or the like, and is
designed with an excessive number of components, being more costly
to manufacturer.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,752,431 issued Aug. 14, 1973, U.S. Pat. No.
3,729,162 issued Apr. 24, 1973, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,714,619 issued
Jan. 30, 1973, are incorporated herein by reference, and are all
concerned with transducer mounts designed for mounting on a boat or
vessel transom only, having no means for mounting to a boat or
vessel deck, railing, or side walls of an aluminum boat or the
like. All three of these patents have no horizontal adjusting
capabilities, limited vertical adjusting capabilities, and no means
for mounting an underwater viewing camera.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,740,706, incorporated herein by reference, issued
on Jun. 19, 1973, is concerned with a transducer mount with limited
vertical adjusting capabilities, no means for mounting onto a boat
deck railing, mounting to the side walls of an aluminum boat or the
like, and no means for mounting an underwater viewing camera.
While the prior art are all directed to transducer mounting
brackets and apparatus, none combine all the features in prior art
nor additional features not taught in the prior art which are
desirable to fulfill all the needs of the typical fisherman or
boater. The object of the present invention is to combine all of
the desired features in prior art, while providing improved and
additional features, such as a limited number of components that
are lightweight and corrosion resistant, the means to be able to
attach the present invention to the side walls of aluminum vessels
and vessel deck rails, as well as vessel decks, the means to be
able to scan in unlimited vertical and horizontal directions, and
the means to be able to attach underwater viewing cameras as well
as marine transducers, thus fulfilling all of the needs of the
typical fisherman or boater.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention an apparatus for mounting
underwater marine detection equipment on a waterborne vessel is
provided comprising: a baseplate which has means to be secured to a
side of the waterborne vessel. The baseplate extends outward from
the side of the waterborne vessel over the surface of the water. A
shaft holder bracket is rotatably mounted to the baseplate, such
that the shaft holder bracket may rotate in a plane generally
parallel to the forward and reverse direction of the waterborne
vessel from a first position to a second position. The shaft holder
bracket has a through passageway to receive a shaft, such that when
the shaft holder bracket is in the first position, the shaft
extends into the water vertically. When the shaft holder bracket is
in the second position, the shaft would totally out of the water.
An elongate shaft is slidably engaged through the passageway in the
shaft holder bracket, such that the elongate shaft can rotate and
slide within the shaft holder bracket. The shaft holder bracket has
means to secure the elongate shaft from rotation and sliding,
preferably by a set screw. The elongate shaft has an upper portion
and a lower portion, the upper and lower portions being rotatably
joined and separable, preferably rotatably joined by threaded
coupling means, for example one portion having male threads and the
other portion having female threads. A resilient washer preferably
surrounds the threaded coupling means, so that the resilient washer
allows adjustable tightening of the threaded coupling means. The
elongate shaft has an end above the shaft holder bracket, having a
handle. The elongate shaft is long enough to extend below the
bottom surface of the waterborne vessel when the shaft holder
bracket is in the first position and is totally out of the water
when the shaft holder bracket is rotated to the second position. A
collar surrounds the elongate shaft adjacent and above the shaft
holder bracket. The collar is such that the elongate shaft can
rotate and slide within the collar. The collar has means to secure
the elongate shaft from rotation and sliding, preferably by a set
screw. A first shaft catch is mounted to the baseplate and aligned
below the rotatable shaft holder bracket when the shaft holder
bracket is in the first position. The first shaft catch has an
opening to receive and frictionally hold the elongate shaft, such
that the elongate shaft may be frictionally held when the shaft
holder bracket engaging the elongate shaft is rotated to the first
position, and whereby the elongate shaft may be released from the
first shaft catch if a force strikes the elongate shaft below the
surface of the water. A second shaft catch is mounted to the
baseplate on the forward side of the baseplate and aligned with the
passageway of the shaft holder bracket when the shaft holder
bracket is in the second position. The second shaft catch has an
opening to receive and to frictionally hold the elongate shaft when
the shaft holder bracket engaging the elongate shaft is rotated to
the second position. A marine detection equipment mount is
rotatably and adjustably attached to the lower portion of the
elongate shaft such that the marine detection equipment mount can
rotate 360 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the
water. The marine detection equipment mount has means, such as
straps, to secure the marine detection equipment.
Preferably, the lower portion of the elongate shaft has a lower end
extending from the lower portion of the shaft at a angle of about
90 degrees. The marine detection equipment mount is rotatably
attached and adjustable to the lower end.
According to the present invention, it is preferable that the
baseplate is reversible; that the baseplate can be mounted on a
side of the waterborne vessel. Depending on the type of waterborne
vessel, the baseplate can be mounted on the waterborne vessel for
example, with one or more screws or bolts, by means of a C-clamp
attached to the baseplate, or by means of a rail clamp attached to
the baseplate.
In order to better appreciate and understand the present inventions
contribution to the art, and for a better understanding of the
invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated
preferred embodiments of the invention. There are, of course,
additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto.
It is understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
It is understood that even though the drawings show the members as
individual parts, they may be produced as combination member parts.
While the member elements are preferably of composite plastics,
reinforced plastics or fiberglass, they made be made of metals such
as aluminum, for example. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. In the present
description it will be appreciated that the front of waterborne
vessels may be alternately called the forward side or bow, and the
rear may be called the aft. As such, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is
based, may readily be utilized as a basis for various
modifications, and the designing of other structures, methods and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent modifications and construction insofar
as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood by reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical apparatus for mounting
underwater marine detection equipment on a waterborne vessel of
this invention, mounted in a functional configuration on the bow of
a boat, with the main shaft lowered into the water in a functional
vertical position, allowing the transducer or camera mounting plate
assembly to be submerged in the desired position.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, perspective view of the portion of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1 that remains out of the water.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the upper and lower members of the
main shaft of the present invention, and the transducer or
underwater camera mounting plate assembly.
FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of the ribbed connection
points on the lower shaft and transducer or camera mounting plate
of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing a typical transducer mounted on the
transducer or camera mounting plate of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a typical underwater camera strapped to
the transducer or camera mounting plate of the present invention,
and how the transducer or camera mounting plate is attached to the
lower shaft.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rail clamp attachment of the
present invention that allows the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to be
mounted as a portable unit to a boat or vessel that has a
railing.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the portable rail clamp attachment of
FIG. 9, as it appears attached to a boat deck rail, and attached to
the base plate.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the C-clamp attachment of the
present invention that allows the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to be
mounted as a portable unit to the sides or rear of a boat such as
an aluminum or wood.
FIG. 12 is a side view of the portable C-clamp attachment of FIG.
11, as it appears attached to a boat and attached to the base
plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is set apart from prior art by providing
improved and unlimited horizontal and vertical scanning
capabilities, lightweight and corrosion resistant components, a
broader selection of mounting capabilities, and the means to attach
other underwater scanning devices such as viewing cameras in
addition to marine transducers. The present invention will be
described in conjunction with accompanying Figures. It is to be
understood that the detailed description shows the preferred
embodiments, but one skilled in the art may understand that other
means and materials may be used to practice the invention as
disclosed and claimed. More details of the preferred embodiments,
without limiting the scope of the present invention are given
herein below.
Referring now to FIG. 1, according to the present invention an
apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment on a
waterborne vessel 27 is provided in a preferred embodiment as
having: a baseplate 26 which has means to be secured to either side
of the waterborne vessel 27. The baseplate 26 extends outward from
the side of the waterborne vessel 27 over the surface of the water
60. A shaft holder bracket 16 is rotatably mounted to the main
bracket 12, such that the shaft holder bracket 16 may rotate in a
plane parallel to the forward and reverse direction of the
waterborne vessel 27 from a first position to a second position.
The shaft holder bracket 16 has a through passageway to receive a
shaft 70, such that when the shaft holder bracket 16 is in the
first position, the shaft 70 extends into the water 60 vertically.
When the shaft holder bracket 16 is in the second position, the
shaft 70 would be totally out of the water. An elongate shaft 70 is
slidably engaged through the passageway in the shaft holder bracket
16, such that the elongate shaft 70 can rotate and slide within the
shaft holder bracket 16. The shaft holder bracket 16 has means to
secure the elongate shaft 70 from rotation and sliding, preferably
by a set screw 28. The elongate shaft 70 has an upper portion 17
and a lower portion 18, the upper and lower portions being
rotatably joined and separable, preferably rotatably joined by
threaded coupling means, referring now to FIG. 5 for example, one
portion 17a having male threads and the other portion 18a having
female threads. A resilient washer 19 preferably surrounds the
threaded coupling means, so that the resilient washer 19 allows
adjustable tightening of the threaded coupling means. The elongate
shaft 70 has an end above the shaft holder bracket 16, having a
handle 22. Now referring to FIG. 1, the elongate shaft 70 is long
enough to extend below the bottom surface of the waterborne vessel
27 when the shaft holder bracket 16 is in the first position and is
totally out of the water 60 when the shaft holder bracket 16 is
rotated to the second position. A collar 20 surrounds the elongate
shaft 70 adjacent and above the shaft holder bracket 16. The collar
20 is such that the elongate shaft 70 can rotate and slide within
the collar 20. The collar 20 has means to secure the elongate shaft
70 from rotation and sliding, preferably by a set screw 28. A first
shaft catch 15a is mounted to the main bracket 12 and aligned below
the rotatable shaft holder bracket 16 when the shaft holder bracket
16 is in the first position. The first shaft catch 15a has opening
to receive and to frictionally hold the elongate shaft 70, such
that the elongate shaft 70 may be frictionally held when the shaft
holder bracket 16 engaging the elongate shaft 70 is rotated to the
first position, and whereby the elongate shaft 70 may be released
from the first shaft catch 15a if a force strikes the elongate
shaft 70 below the surface of the water. A second shaft catch 15 is
mounted to the shaft catch bracket 14 that is attached on the
forward side of the baseplate 26 and aligned with the passageway of
the shaft holder bracket 16 when the shaft holder bracket 16 is in
the second position. The second shaft catch 15 has an opening to
receive and to frictionally hold the elongate shaft 70 when the
shaft holder bracket 16 engaging the elongate shaft 70 is rotated
to the second position. A marine detection equipment mount 21 is
rotatably and adjustably attached to the lower portion 18 of the
elongate shaft 70 such that the marine detection equipment mount 21
can rotate 360 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the surface of
the water 60. The marine detection equipment mount 21 has means,
such as straps 35, to secure the marine detection equipment 52, as
shown in FIG. 8.
Preferably, the lower portion 18 of the elongate shaft 70 has a
lower end, as shown in FIG. 6, which extends from the lower portion
18 of the shaft 70 at an angle of about 90 degrees. The marine
detection equipment mount 21 is rotatably attached and adjustable
to the lower end, as shown in FIG. 6.
According to the present invention, it is preferable that the
baseplate 26 is reversible; that the baseplate 26 can be mounted on
a side of the waterborne vessel. Depending on the type of
waterborne vessel 27, the baseplate 26 can be mounted on the
waterborne vessel 27, for example, with one or more fasteners 40,
by means of a C-clamp 80, as shown in FIG. 11, attached to the
baseplate 26, or by means of a rail clamp 90, as shown in FIG. 9,
attached to the baseplate 26.
More details of the preferred embodiments, without limiting the
scope of the present invention are given herein below:
Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment this invention is
generally Illustrated as a two part elongated shaft 70, the upper
shaft 17 being joined to the lower shaft 18. The length of both
upper shaft 17 and lower shaft 18 may be manufactured as different
lengths. See FIG. 5 that shows the exposed threads 17a and the
internal threaded aperture 18a, as well as the rubber washer 19 for
joining the two shaft members. The rubber washer 19 allows the
upper shaft 17 to be joined to lower shaft 18 so that the handle 22
can be aligned to point in the horizontal direction of the mounted
transducer or camera. Referring again back to FIG. 1, the upper
shaft 17 has a 90.degree. turn at the top to facilitate having the
pointing handle with the handle grip 22. The shaft is supported by
shaft holder bracket 16 that is hinged to the main bracket 12. The
shaft holder bracket 16 has an internal threaded aperture to
facilitate the use of a bar knob 28, or the like, to selectively
hold in place or change the horizontal direction of the shaft 70
about its axis, thus also adjusting the scanning direction of the
transducer or camera. A depth adjusting collar 20, that has an
internal threaded aperture to facilitate a bar knob 28 or the like,
is positioned just above the shaft holder bracket 16 to allow depth
adjustment of the shaft 70. Referring to FIG. 2, shaft holder
bracket 16 has an aperture through the end that slips into main
bracket 12, thus allowing the insertion of screw 30 through main
plate 12 and shaft holder bracket 16, and securing with washer 43
and lock nut 44. The shaft holder bracket 16 can pivot 90.degree.
to allow the main shaft 70 to either be out of the water 60
horizontally for traveling or storage, or extended into the water
60 vertically for operational scanning. Referring to FIG. 1, the
main plate 12 is attached to the reversible base plate 26, as shown
in FIG. 1 for a right bow mount of a boat 27, reversed for mounting
on the left side, or turned 90.degree. so the shaft rests off the
end of the reversible mount 26 when mounting on the rear or transom
of a boat or vessel. The main plate 12 is attached to the
reversible base plate 26 through apertures placed symmetrically
allowing the attachment of main plate 12 for the bow, aft portion
or rear of the vessel. The main plate 12 is attached with one or
more fasteners 25, washers 41, and nuts 42. As an example, the
reversible base plate 26 may be attached to a boat deck by
installing one or more fasteners 40, or by using wing nut fasteners
for easy removal, or by portable attachment as further explained
below. As seen in detail in FIG. 2, stop plate 13 is attached to
the main mount 12 through apertures in stop plate 13 by means of
fasteners 24. When the shaft 70 is lowered into the water 60, the
shaft holder bracket 16 rests on the stop plate 13, holding shaft
70 in a vertical position. Shaft catch holding bracket 14 is
attached to the rear of the main bracket 12 with fasteners 24,
easily referenced in FIG. 2. There are two shaft catch mechanisms
15 and 15a. The grab arms on shaft catches 15 and 15a are designed
to slightly separate when coming in contact with shaft 70, allowing
the shaft to enter under slight pressure. As the shaft 70 enters
the shaft catch 15 or 15a, the arms of the shaft catch retract,
holding the shaft 70 in position under friction. Shaft catch 15 is
attached to the top of shaft catch holding bracket 14 with
fasteners 23. When the shaft 70 is lifted out of the water 60, as
in securing for travel or storage, the shaft 70 can be secured in a
safe, horizontal position. The shaft catch 15a is attached to the
lower front of the main plate 12 with fasteners 23. Shaft catch 15a
is a secure catch to hold the shaft 70 in the vertical position
while in use, and to disengage should the shaft 70 or the
transducer/camera mounting plate 21 strike a submerged object while
moving forward, thus resisting possible damage to the shaft 70, the
mounting plate 21, the transducer 50 or camera 52. After striking
an object, the shaft 70 is simply inserted back into the shaft
catch 15a. This invention is designed for relatively slow speed
operation by the boat due to inherent design of the invention, and
design characteristics of most sonar receiver transducers. FIG. 3
is a front view of exploded view in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a side
view of exploded view in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 1, the portion
of the apparatus that is below waterline 60 is the lower shaft 18
and the transducer/camera mounting plate 21. FIG. 5 shows more
detail as explained hereunder: The lower shaft 18 has a 90.degree.
bend to allow the transducer/camera mounting plate 21 to be
positioned for scanning anywhere in a 360.degree. vertical circle,
thus allowing unlimited vertical adjustment, with the shaft 70
allowing 360.degree. unlimited horizontal adjustment for scanning.
The angle of search may be to any angle desired, with the
efficiency of the area scanned being dependent upon the design
characteristics of the electronic equipment being used and the
ability of the operator to properly read the signals displayed on
the equipment readout screen, however success in locating fish and
structure is greatly enhanced by the ability of being able to scan
in unlimited horizontal and vertical directions into areas such as
under boat docks, lily pad formations, and into fallen trees. The
area FIG. 6 is an exploded view of 18b, the ribbed lower end of
shaft 70, and threaded aperture 18c at the lower end of shaft 70.
Washer 46 is placed on bar knob 45 shown in FIG. 5, then bar knob
45 is inserted through aperture 21b as shown in FIG. 7. The ribbed
area 21a meets the ribbed area 18b to hold the transducer/camera
mounting plate 21 in place at the desired scanning angle by
tightening the bar knob 45. FIG. 5 shows a plurality of apertures
formed through the transducer/camera mounting plate 21. Apertures
29 allow different types of transducer base configurations to be
attached thereto. Apertures 29a allow the different size and
configurations of underwater cameras to be attached with
self-gripping straps 35. FIG. 7 shows a typical fishfinder sonar
transducer 50 mounted to transducer/camera mounting plate 21 with
fasteners 47, washers 48, and nuts 49. The transducer power cable
51 leads up into the boat or vessel to the marine sonar unit. It
may be loosely attached to the shaft 70 by means of cable ties, or
the like, if desired. FIG. 8 illustrates a typical underwater
viewing camera 52 strapped to the transducer/camera mounting plate
21 with self-gripping straps 35. The camera power cable 53, that
leads up to the display unit in the boat or vessel, may be loosely
attached to the shaft 70, as seen in FIG. 5, with cable ties, or
the like.
FIG. 11 shows C-clamp 80 that may be attached to the reversible
base plate 26, thus allowing the portable marine transducer or
underwater camera mounting apparatus to be attached, for example,
to a wood boat, to an aluminum boat 31, or the like. FIG. 12 a side
view of C-clamp 80, with a bar knob screw 33 that has a pressure
tightening plate 33a on the inside end of the screw 33, or the
like, inserted for clamping, for example, to vessels, wood boats,
aluminum boats 31, or the like. C-clamp 80 is designed to clamp
onto round or square sides. A plurality of apertures are provided
on the top that match up with the plurality of apertures on the
reversible base plate 26. Fasteners 55 may be used to attach the
C-clamp 80 to the reversible base plate 26, securing in place, for
example, with wing nuts 39, or the like, for easy removal.
FIG. 9 shows the rail clamp 90 that may be attached to the
reversible base plate 26, thus allowing the portable marine
transducer or underwater camera mounting apparatus to be attached
to a boat or vessel that has a deck railing 37, or the like. FIG.
10 is a side view of the rail clamp 90, which consists of part 34
that attaches to the reversible base plate 26, and part 36 that
fits around the railing. The two parts are simply tightened
together around the railing, providing a friction clamp that by
selectively being loosened and tightened can be positioned anywhere
on a railing. Fasteners 54 are inserted through apertures in part
34, extending beyond railing 37 and through apertures on part 36.
Bar knob type screws 38 are provided for easy adjustment or
removal. A plurality of apertures are provided in part 34 that
match up with the plurality of apertures on the reversible base
plate 26. Fasteners 55 are used to attach the rail clamp 90 to the
reversible base plate 26, securing in place, for example, with wing
nuts 39, or the like, for easy removal.
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